Tips for Traveling with Your Dog in the Car

Whether you're going on an extended road trip or for a short drive, car travel with a dog can be a lot of fun. However, traveling with dogs in a car can pose a lot of safety risks. Read on for tips on how to safely transport him and minimize the dangers inherent when riding in the car with your dog.

Crates Are Best

When traveling with dogs in a car, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends securing dogs of all sizes in travel-rated crates or carriers, both for the dog's safety and to prevent distractions while driving. If possible, crates should be secured in the back seat of a car or the cargo area of an SUV, station wagon, or minivan, and strapped in so that the crate won't slide around during sudden stops. The crate itself should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, sit and lie down comfortably, while not so large that the dog can get tossed around inside the crate while the car moves. It should also provide plenty of ventilation. You can make the crate more comfortable for your dog by lining the floor with blankets, and even go a step further to safeguard against injury by padding the sides with foam. Just be sure your dog won't try to eat or chew any material you use for padding.

When a Crate Won't Work

If a crate is not an option, look for a safety harness that buckles directly into the seat belt buckle, and strap your dog into the back seat. Another commercially available option for safer car travel with dogs is a mesh or metal barrier made to place in minivans, and SUVs to keep your furry guy confined to the back seat. While these options are great for keeping your pup from distracting you or getting underfoot while you're trying to focus on the road, they're not designed to protect him from injury during a crash. Although it might seem like these options provide your buddy with more freedom and make his ride more enjoyable, for his own safety, a crate or carrier is still best.